
Donald Trump reacts to death of 'great friend' Hulk Hogan with moving tribute
In an emotional statement on X, Trump honoured Hogan as he wrote: "'We lost a great friend today, the "Hulkster". Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way - Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.
"He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive,' Trump wrote, as he praised his 'absolutely electric speech' from the Republican 2024 National Convention.
"To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed," he concluded.
Vice President JD Vance also honoured the famous wrestler as he wrote: "Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid.", reports the Mirror. (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
"The last time I saw him we promised we'd get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace."
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, publicly endorsed Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention, energising the audience as he waved an American flag before the former president's address.
Though Hogan had stayed quiet during Trump's initial campaign, he said the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania altered everything. "What happened last week, when they took a shot at my hero, and they tried to kill the next president of the United States, enough was enough and I said let Trumpamania run wild brother" he proclaimed, ripping off his shirt to reveal a Trump tank top.
Hogan, who claimed he's known Trump for over 35 years, reflected on his early wrestling days at Trump's hotel venues. "I just had a flashback man, this is really tripping," he expressed.
"You know the last time I was onstage Donald Trump was sitting ringside at Trump Plaza." (Image: AP)
WrestleMania was hosted near Trump Plaza in 1988 and 1989, and Hogan pointed to Trump's previous presidency as evidence he'd "enforce the border and be tough on crime.
"So all you criminals, all you low-lifes, all you scumbags, all you drug dealers and all you crooked politicians need to answer one question for me. What you gonna do when Donald Trump and all the Trumpamaniacs run wild on you brother?" he bellowed during an event in Milwaukee.
At a rally in Madison Square Garden shortly before the election, Hogan roused the crowd once more. "You something Trumpmaniacs, I don't see no stinkin' Nazis in here, I don't see no stinkin' domestic terrorists in here, the only thing I see in here are a bunch of hard workin' men and women that are real Americans brother."
He also appeared in D. C.
for Trump's inauguration, ripping his tuxedo sleeves at the Liberty Ball. "We have our country back" he declared on Fox News.
"We're going to get everything back to where it should be." (Image: Sky Daily Hogan/Instagram)
Hogan's death was confirmed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), in a statement on X which read: "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.
"One of pop culture's most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s."
WWE extends its condolences to Hogan's family, friends, and fans. "".
It has also been claimed by TMZ that paramedics were sent to the 71 year old's residence in Clearwater, Florida. The devastating news arrives just weeks after his wife, Sky, was forced to dismiss rumours he was in a coma.
Hogan is believed to have suffered a heart attack at his Florida residence. It has been reported that emergency services were called to Hulk's house in Clearwater, Florida, in the early hours of Thursday morning; it's understood operators confirmed it was a "cardiac arrest". (Image: AP)
TMZ has reported that numerous police vehicles and emergency units were stationed outside the wrestling icon's property, and he was 'transported on a stretcher into an ambulance'.
The recording from the 999 call, as paramedics raced to Hulk Hogan's residence, has been released. In the recording, obtained by TMZ, emergency responders can be heard confirming that a patient had suffered cardiac arrest.
Just weeks prior to Hulk's passing, a spokesperson for the WWE legend dismissed rumours he was seriously unwell. In May, it was revealed he'd had a minor "fusion procedure" on his neck.
However, in June, a YouTuber alleged that matters were "not looking good" for him. Refuting the claims, a representative stated that Hulk's operation had been "successful" and there were "no reasons to panic."
They continued: "He just needs from time to time a medical check up." (Image: Getty Images)
After his passing, an avalanche of tributes has poured in for the WWE icon. Posting on Instagram, Hollywood star Sylvester shared a photograph of himself with Hulk, who starred alongside him in Rocky III in 1982.
The performer commented: "I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old. He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky three incredibly special. My heart breaks. I think that he's gone.."
Television presenter Piers Morgan, who previously interviewed Hulk, has also described the WWE performer as the "most iconic" wrestler.
In a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: "RIP Hulk Hogan - the most iconic wrestler in history, a wonderful character, and in person, a far gentler, charming, intelligent man far removed from his snarling beast ring (and Rocky movie! ) persona. Sad news."
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The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
I met Ozzy Osbourne at his home after he'd quit boozing – he then offered me a beer at 10am, says Sun photo legend
WANDERING the grounds of his Buckinghamshire mansion, Ozzy Osbourne turned to his friend Dave Hogan and said: 'Do you know what? I'd forgotten we even had this house.' It was 2006, and the Black Sabbath frontman and his wife Sharon had spent so much time filming MTV reality show The Osbournes in LA, they hadn't returned to the estate in Little Chalfont for several years. Advertisement 7 Legendary Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne and wife Sharon Credit: Getty 7 Sun photographer Dave Hogan reveals how the Prince of Darkness was one of the most down-to-earth celebrities he ever met Credit: Getty 7 Dave photographed Ozzy at his sprawling home in 2002 Credit: Getty Today, their pal — legendary Sun photographer Dave — reveals how The snapper, affectionately known in the showbiz world as Hogie, recalls: 'That day, he really did make me laugh. "I was taking his picture for The Sun, but he didn't want the house shown as they'd been burgled there so didn't want to feature the actual property. 'Instead, we went into the grounds. He suddenly stopped, looked around and said how he'd forgotten they even owned it. Advertisement Read more on Ozzy Osbourne 'It was the kind of thing he would just come out with.' Dave added of Ozzy, who revealed in 2020 that 'There was no filter, he was just honest. He spoke what he thought and that was it.' Recently, the Osbournes built a 'rehab' wing on the sprawling estate, which included a health and welfare exercise studio, art studio room, pool house and spa. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Breaking Hogie first met Ozzy — known as the Prince of Darkness — in Los Angeles in 1988. But when he arrived at the family's American mansion, he was stunned to find the star had chopped off his trademark, long, flowing locks. Ozzy Osbourne is seen in touching final video having breakfast with his family just two days before his death Describing his first encounter with the Black Sabbath icon, Hogie says: 'Obviously they were a huge band, but as heavy metal wasn't huge for The Sun, I didn't photograph him until the late Eighties. 'When he opened the door and had cut all his hair off, I was a bit shocked. But the pictures were great, he was amazing on camera, he knew how to perform.' Advertisement Sharon was there too, together with Kelly, now 40, and Jack, 39, who were toddlers at the time. Hogie says: 'They were very welcoming and the kids were really cute. 'We started to chat but, after a little while, Sharon said that they had to go and pick their older daughter Aimee up from nursery. "The housekeeper was there, but they asked me to help keep an eye on the kids while they went to collect her. Advertisement 'He kept pouring beer' 'They were just a normal, down-to-earth couple.' Hogie says that over the years, that never changed — but the dynamic did. He explains: 'I remember flying over to LA to do a shoot with them and the focus for the pictures then was Sharon. But "In fact he loved it. It was like he was her sidekick, her butler; whatever he was, they were a team. Advertisement 'And within minutes of me being there, he said, 'Dave, do you want a drink?'. 'I knew he was a reformed alcoholic, so I thought it was a bit odd, but Sharon said, 'Just let him pour you a drink, he likes to pour drinks for other people'. It was about 10am and the last thing I wanted was a beer, but I said yes. 'And he opened a can and poured me this perfect pint. I couldn't drink it as I wouldn't have been able to do my job properly. 'But that didn't stop Advertisement 7 Ozzy in 1988 after chopping off his trademark long locks Credit: Getty 7 Ozzy working out in the Eighties Credit: Getty But he grew serious about his sobriety around 2014, after numerous failed attempts at rehab and recovery dating back to 1984. Advertisement In a recent interview, he told The Sun that he once downed 28 gallons of booze to get through the Christmas season. Hogie says: 'I never saw him drinking. But even though he had stopped all of that, he was still up for a great time. 'I remember, after one MTV Awards, he got a group of people together to carry on partying. Imagine what a night out with Ozzy would have been like. Dave Hogan 'There was him and Grace Jones and a few others. Sharon said to me, 'I'm going home, I've given him £500 to go out. You go with him, you'll have a great time'. Advertisement 'But I couldn't. I had to send the photos in from the night. 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Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Irish producer of The Osbournes pays tribute to late trailblazer Ozzy
The Irish producer of The Osbournes Hit TV series has paid tribute to the late trailblazer Ozzy Osbourne who he has described as a 'down to earth man who loved the Irish.' The heavy metal pioneer died on Tuesday at the age of 76 just weeks after performing with Black Sabbath at a big farewell show in his hometown of Birmingham. A statement from the family said: "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.' Dubliner Marcus Fox won an Emmy for The Osbournes series which ran for three years on MTV from 2002 to 2005 and went on to become the biggest rating show on American TV at the time. He formed a close relationship with the family during that time and said Ozzy had a 'particular fondness for the Irish.' 'He was a very simple man, a really kind person, I was very sorry to hear he passed on,' said Mr Fox. 'He had a soft spot for the Irish; he loved to hang out with us in the shed at the back of his house. There were cameras rolling 24 hours a day, there was a day crew and night crew, and Ozzy would sneak out and have a can of Guinness with us. "He had so much time for the Irish, there were four Irish lads working on the show, he got on well with all of us. 'It seems to me, Ozzy held on to do his farewell gig and he meant it. 'He was very nice to crew, very easy to work with, easy going, not easy direct or produce, but easy going. 'Sharon his wife is the boss, she was very caring and protective of Ozzy, and family was family, she accepted his children from his first marriage into the family, she was very welcoming'. Ozzy's daughter Kelly Osbourne this week said she has lost her "best friend" following the death of her father. She had attended his last concert where she got engaged backstage to her long-term partner Sid Wilson from the band Slipknot. Marcus Fox who was living in the US at the time and had been working on the Anna Nicole Smith reality show, pitched the idea of a reality TV show to the Osbourne family to their agents. Dubliner Marcus Fox won an Emmy for the Osbourne series which ran for three years on MTV from 2002 to 2005 and went on to become the biggest rating show on American TV at the time. Picture: Marcus Fox 'Sharon was very interested in Anna Nicole Smith' said Marcus. 'She had this idea of interviewing her in a big bubble bath, but one show was on the channel E and the Osbournes was on MTV, and we would have loved to work with the two, but the networks wouldn't agree, so that never happened. They would do it in a heartbeat now. 'We went to the Osbournes with the idea of a reality show, they were interested. 'We met the family and then we did a pilot and then went on to make the show. 'It was the early 2000's but we got three seasons out of it, and then we did a couple of specials. We talked a few times about going back to another season, but it never happened. 'After that I did another show, Battle for Ozzfest,' said Mr Fox. Ozzfest was also a reality show aired on MTV in 2004 and saw eight bands 'battling' it out in a series of challenges to win a spot on the stage at the heavy metal festival, Ozzfest. Fox said he stayed in touch with the Osbournes and described Sharon and Ozzy as a 'couple very much in love'. 'I know they had tough times' he said. 'He met her through her father; he was on her dad's label. She went on to become his manager and they were just madly in love'. The couple made no secret of their challenges. They were married for four decades and during that time Ozzy battled with alcohol and drug addiction and became violent to Sharon before he was arrested for attempted murder. 'She stuck with him,' said Mr Fox. 'Love prevails and they were like two teenagers together; they were really in love'. He said Ozzy spent most of his days painting and lived a very simple life. He was incredibly talented, and his music was a soundtrack to many people's lives, he did around 19 albums and was a prolific song writer and a poet and an artist. He was always painting in the house. 'We had 24-hour coverage, with two shifts for the crew, night and day, you had to be prepared because the kids were only teenagers at the time, and they would often come in from a night out and you didn't want to miss that. 'Their house was really nice, but it wasn't a mansion or anything like that, it was a five-bedroom house in Beverley Hills, and we were there all the time. 'They have since moved away'. He said that Ozzy had crucifixes all over the house and they were used as 'doorknobs and handles.' 'They were all around the bath and toilet too,' he said. 'I don't know if he was religious, maybe it was beat into him growing up. 'I never went to church with him, but he did not have a lavish lifestyle, he had very simple needs and means, he didn't buy into all that. 'His son Louis who didn't want to appear on the show used to hang around with us, and he would go out with us for drinks. We introduced him to a girl on the crew called Lisa who was from Dublin, and they fell in love and got married. 'They are living in the UK now but were living in Ireland for years. 'Louis and his sister have a different mom to Sharon but that didn't matter to Sharon, she was very open." Marcus said he hopes to attend Ozzy's funeral to pay his respects. 'I would like to go, there hasn't been a memorial for him yet, the family is just in bits now over him. They all adored him'.


Irish Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Trump posts OJ Simpson meme of him and 'fat face' JD Vance as cops chasing Obama
Donald Trump has been accused of trying to deflect from his ties to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein by posting a bizarre meme of him and "fat face JD Vance" chasing Barack Obama in police cars. Trump shared a photoshopped version of an image from the infamous O.J Simpson high-speed pursuit, which brought Los Angeles to a standstill in 1994 as the former NFL star and his pal led cops on a two-hour chase across Southern California in a white Ford Bronco. The US president posted the odd photo - which also included Vice President JD Vance with a bloated face, a meme dubbed "fat face JD Vance" which went viral earlier this year - with no context or caption. It comes after Trump - rocked by claims that he sent a handwritten birthday message to disgraced financier Epstein - bizarrely accused former president Obama of "treason", claiming he plotted to sabotage his first presidency by linking him to alleged Russian election meddling. Trump claimed Obama had sought to undermine his 2016 victory over Hillary Clinton as he faced questions from reporters about the late well-connected sex offender Epstein, who killed himself in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial. The image shared by President Donald Trump (Image: @realDonaldTrump/X) The president's administration has been under pressure to release more information about his contact list, but Trump snapped: "The witch hunt that you should be talking about is they caught President Obama absolutely cold. It's time to go after people, Obama's been caught directly. He's guilty. This was treason. This was every word you can think of." However, social media users said Trump - currently in the UK as he visits his golf clubs in Scotland - was desperately trying to distract from his links to the dead paedophile. Republicans against Trump tweeted: "Trump just posted a meme photo of him and JD Vance chasing down Obama in police cars. Anything to distract from Jeffrey Epstein. Bold choice by Trump to go with that JD Vance face." The image of JD Vance used in the photograph (Image: @realDonaldTrump/X) One social media user replied: "A President who makes a mockery of the office and this country." Another said: "Trump's meme game is as weak as his loyalty to allies, but at least he's consistent in dodging accountability." A third said: "Trump would sell his own grandma if it meant he could distract from the Epstein thing." Another person added: "Meanwhile the rest of us realize how deep the Epstein scandal goes." An image of the infamous police chase involving OJ Simpson (Image: Getty Images) It was previously reported how social media wags had edited photos of Vance with a face full of baby fat, calling him 'childish' and an 'annoying' man-child after a car-crash press conference in which he rudely cut off Ukraine's wartime leader Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump's bizarre choice of photo to edit also raised eyebrows as it depicted police cruisers following a white Ford Bronco driven by A.C. Cowlings on a Los Angeles freeway in 1994. O.J. Simpson was in the back of the vehicle, reportedly holding a gun to his own head and threatening suicide following an investigation into the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.